Adventure Collective
Tasman Glacier Heli Hike Adventure with INFLITE - Mt. Cook - Queenstown

Tasman Glacier Heli Hike Adventure with INFLITE - Mt. Cook

Aoraki Mount Cook National Parkmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for those with moderate fitness and able to walk on uneven icy terrain for up to 2 hours.

Overview

Step onto New Zealand’s largest glacier with INFLITE - Mt. Cook’s Tasman Glacier Heli Hike. Combining helicopter flight and guided glacier trekking, this trip reveals raw alpine ice landscapes overlooked by Aoraki/Mt. Cook.

Aoraki / Mount Cook, Canterbury

The Adventurer: Tasman Glacier Heli Hike

3 Hours • Ages 9+

Hiking

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Adventure Photos

The Adventurer: Tasman Glacier Heli Hike photo 1

About This Adventure

Combine the excitement of walking on New Zealand’s biggest glacier, the Tasman Glacier, with the thrill of breathtaking scenic helicopter flight and spectacular views of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook. You will fly into your drop off point on a remote part of the glacier.

Price

Person - $799

Duration

3 Hours

What to Bring

  • 3 - 4 layers of warm upper body clothing
  • Warm trousers (no jeans)
  • Sunglasses and sun protection
  • A daypack, a drink and snacks are useful
  • A warm hat and gloves
  • A Camera

Tasman Glacier Heli-hike Mount Cook

Combine the excitement of walking on New Zealand’s biggest glacier, the Tasman Glacier, with the thrill of breathtaking scenic helicopter flight and spectacular views of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook. You will fly into your drop off point on a remote part of the glacier.

All Glacier Exploring Equipment Included

In summer, your guide will outfit you with special ice spikes for your feet, called crampons, designed for hard ice glacier conditions. During the winter months, you will be able to use crampons, try snowshoeing or a combination of both. Once your crampons or snowshoes are fitted you’ll go exploring the amazing ice formations, following your guide as they cut steps in the glacier, using skills handed down from NZ’s mountain pioneers. Your trip finishes with another spectacular scenic flight back to our Aoraki/Mt. Cook base.

Every Tasman Glacier Hike Journey is Unique

As the glacier is changing all the time our experienced guides are always finding something new and interesting to show our visitors. Time on the ice is up to 2 hours, weather permitting. A minimum of 3 people is required for a trip to depart (if you have less than 3 people in your group, we will do our best to put you on a trip with other people).

Important – Please Make Sure That You Arrive on Time for Your Trip

Please ensure that you allow sufficient time to travel to our base at the Aoraki/Mt Cook Airport, Mt Cook Road, State Highway 80 safely. We have strict scheduled fly times so are unable to delay a trip departure if you are running late.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early

Be sure to arrive on time at Aoraki/Mt. Cook Airport for your scheduled helicopter departure to avoid missing the flight.

Dress in Layers

Temperatures vary on the glacier; wear 3-4 warm upper layers plus gloves and a hat to stay comfortable.

Sun Protection Is Key

Bring sunglasses and high SPF sunscreen—the glacier reflects sunlight strongly, increasing UV exposure.

Fitness Matters

Prepare for moderate physical activity: the glacier trek can be uneven and requires good balance and stamina.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Kea parrots, known for their curiosity around hikers
  • Rock wren, a small alpine bird endemic to the region

History

Aoraki/Mt. Cook National Park was established in 1953 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its unique alpine landscapes.

Conservation

Guided tours like INFLITE’s promote minimal-impact glacier access and emphasize respect for ongoing glacial retreat due to climate change.

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Adventure Hotspots in Queenstown

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Layered Warm Clothing

Essential

To adapt to fluctuating glacier temperatures and wind chill.

all specific

Sturdy Hiking Boots

Essential

Required for attaching crampons and comfortable glacier hiking.

all specific

Sunglasses

Essential

Protects eyes from intense UV reflection off ice and snow.

all specific

Waterproof Gloves

Essential

Keeps hands warm and dry during glacier trekking.

fall|winter|spring specific